The Chatfield Art Gallery is about to offer more than art to its patrons.
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A second-hand store on the same property as the art gallery will open this August. Owner Anthony Nelson is trying to expand his business, and he thought a one-of-a-kind shopping experience would be the perfect way.
Nelson received a voicemail from a local woman who was moving a month ago. She had a piano and wanted to see if he’d take it on.
“At first, I was very apprehensive,” said Nelson. “I didn’t know if I had the space for it or if I could move a piano, but I eventually agreed, and then she asked if I wanted more, and it kind of clicked in my head that this would be a good use of our guesthouse that has been sitting empty for a few years.”
Nelson took a whole truckload of goods from the woman and went from there. In her things were a few display units he’s going to use, and knowing that, he posted in community Facebook groups about his plan to open a second-hand store and asked for donations.
“There was an immediate big response,” he said.
Nelson said that because he’s gone around picking the goods up rather than just asking them to be dropped off, it’s set them apart from other thrift stores in the region.
“Lots of people are unable to do anything with their stuff and are appreciative to have someone willing to come by and pick them up,” he added.
Nelson’s driven through Lundar, Gimli, Arborg, Arnes, and Winnipeg Beach, picking up donations for the store, and he’s confident he has enough items to open it in a few weeks. Though most things in his store are donated, he purchased a few collections, like house figurines, for $400 from a charity in Arborg.
Nelson is turning the guest house on his property into the Chatfield thrift store. What used to be the handkerchief museum will be the Hanky House, which will hold furniture and children’s toys to purchase. The tool shed will also be part of the store, housing movies, DVDs, CDs, and records for sale.
While visiting the thrift store, people can also take in the art gallery, which features pieces by Nelson himself. He describes his art as a “psychedelic vortex”, and hundreds of his pieces are displayed in the building.
“It’s certainly extremely unique for the area,” said Nelson. “There’s definitely nothing like it.”
Once it opens, the Chatfield thrift store will be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Nelson plans to officially open the doors on Aug. 3.
“I’ve always been super into thrifting and watching the prices skyrocket over the years has been gut wrenching,” he said. “I want that excitement of finding a deal. I want people to get excited to go shopping.”
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